Increasing Awareness and Access to Integrated Behavioral Health and Palliative Care: An Introduction to the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine’s

Mental health symptoms are common in the general population and are overrepresented in patients receiving palliative care and hospice services. This introduction to the special issue on Mental Health in Palliative Care and Hospice highlights the ongoing need for research and training to prepare our palliative care workforce to address the concerns of patients experiencing serious illness and mental health concerns. Multilevel approaches are needed to enhance understanding of mental health needs among people with serious illness. Public health outreach is needed within our communities, targeted support is needed for family caregivers, and structured training for palliative care and hospice clinicians is needed to enhance competent mental health in these settings.